Ekeji, Inyama Hail Nomination of Ahudiyannem FC Proprietor Chief Robert Onyeani

Former Director General of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Patrick Ekeji, and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member, High Chief (Pastor) Emeka Inyama, have both described the nomination of Chief Robert Onyeani for a national sports award as a flawless decision that reflects his immense contributions to grassroots football development in Nigeria.

Chief Onyeani, proprietor of grassroots football club Ahudiya Nnem FC, was unveiled on Monday by the organisers of the second edition of the annual award as one of five eminent Nigerians nominated in recognition of their outstanding impact on the growth of sports in the country.

Other nominees for the prestigious honour include the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri; the CEO and Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), His Excellency Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; CEO of Nilayo Sports, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade; and internationally acclaimed boxing promoter, Hon. Omonlei Yakubu Imadu.

Speaking separately with journalists, Dr. Ekeji and Chief Inyama praised the organisers for what they described as a well-thought-out and credible selection process, stressing that Chief Onyeani is more than deserving of the recognition.

Dr. Ekeji noted that the Ahudiya Nnem FC proprietor has consistently used football as a tool for youth empowerment, providing opportunities for young boys and girls who might otherwise have been left without direction or employment.

“I was not surprised when I heard that his name was among the nominees,” Ekeji said. “Chief Onyeani is doing a great job with his club, employing and empowering many youths. There is no better time to reward him than now.”

He further commended the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Newstap Communications for what he described as an excellent job in identifying and celebrating true contributors to Nigerian sports development.

In his remarks, Chief Emeka Inyama echoed similar sentiments, describing the nomination as fully justified given Chief Onyeani’s long-standing commitment to football development at the grassroots level.

“This is a man who guided his once-unknown club to defeat two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC of Aba to win the Abia State FA Cup, among many other landmark achievements,” Inyama said. “I must commend the organisers of this prestigious award for nominating someone who has genuinely contributed to the growth of the game.”

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 6 at the Blessing Hall of Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos, with proceedings set to begin at 5pm. The maiden edition of the award was chaired by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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